Soak Up Melbourne’s Sights

Soak Up Melbourne’s Sights The wonderful thing about Melbourne is that there is so much to do and see. It’s easy to never feel stuck for ideas as there is always something happening. And while the weather might change dramatically throughout the day, your plans don’t necessarily have to. With museums, galleries, pop up events, open spaces and more to explore, you’re pretty much spoilt for choice. The only question is how do you get around everything and make the most of your time?

Soak Up Melbourne’s Sights Kick off your sightseeing tour at Federation Square, a popular congregation spot for natives and visitors alike. Everyday you’ll find something different happening, from sports and music events to protest rallies, performing arts, theatrical showcases and more. Famed for the iconic architecture that borders the square’s perimeter, you’ll find a range of attractions including the Ian Potter Centre art space and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image –which celebrates the country’s TV and cinematic history – all providing the perfect introduction to this cosmopolitan city. There’s also free WIFI – always a bonus!
From here pass the ornate Flinders Street Station, 19th Century- built St Paul’s Cathedral and the Immigration Museum – which celebrates the country’s multicultural heritage and diversity – before reaching Melbourne’s Sea Life Centre and Aquarium. This popular attraction, set along the Yarra River, features a diverse range of marine life including sharks, penguins and turtles and fun interactive experiences such as shark dives, glass bottom boat tours and stingray encounters.

Next, move on to the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building, the Eureka Skydeck 88. Here you’ll be able to see stunning views of the city from the 88th floor and have the chance to test your limits with The Edge experience, a glass cube which protrudes the building, offering you a more daring viewing platform.

If you’re an animal lover, take a trip to the Royal Melbourne Zoo, home to a collection of over 300 animals from across the world. There are also opportunities to get closer to the animals with activities with orang-utans, tigers, elephants and more.
For more culture, visit The Melbourne Museum, the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the picturesque Carlton Gardens – which is also home to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show – and opposite the historic Royal Exhibition Building, explore the exhibits which celebrate the natural and cultural history of the state. Highlights include a complete skeleton of a blue whale, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a living rainforest, the racehorse Phar Lap and an IMAX theatre on site.

Melbourne’s sights and culture For more dramatic architecture and historical sights, stop off at Cathedral Place next, where you’ll be able to check out the likes of Parliament House, St Patrick’s Cathedral and more, before heading on to Fitzroy Gardens.Housing a conservatory filled with vibrant flowers, the enchanting Fairy Trees which carry carvings of fairies, dwarfs, gnomes and more, stunning statues, fountains and more; the park is the perfect picnic and for exploring explore nature on a sunny day.
Next its time to head into St Kilda. Pass Birrarung Marr, a vibrant open space along the Yarra River that celebrates Aboriginal culture, followed by the Shrine of Remembrance, which commemorates the lives lost in the First World War.

Melbourne’s sights and culture Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens next and wander the vast grounds filled with thousands of exotic and native plant life. Another perfect picnic spot, relax by the picturesque lake before roaming the wonderful displays including the National Herbarium, Tropical Hothouse, Plant Craft Cottage and Guilfoyle’s Volcano water reservoir.
From here, head into palm-tree lined streets of St Kilda, greeted by dramatic views of Albert Park Lake and the gorgeous winding beaches along the way. Be sure to stop off at Luna Park, the charismatic Victorian style theme park that overlooks the bay. You’ll be welcomed by one of Melbourne’s most famous faces – which is actually the entrance – and have the chance to test your fear factor again with it enticing choice of rides. If you’re not a fairground fan, wander the park for free for a glimpse at the impressive architecture of the Great Scenic Railway Rollercoaster. While you’re here, also check out the Palais Theatre, another stunning Melbourne music venue with heaps of history as well as a hot roster of events all year round.

Melbourne’s sights and culture Finally, make sure you visit The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. The NGV hosts a wide range of international and local exhibitions featuring contemporary art, major international historic exhibitions, fashion and design, architecture, sound and dance. You can also stop here for the Arts Centre Melbourne, Australia’s largest and busiest performing arts centre that stages musicals, operas, recitals, pop concerts, theatrical plays and more.

By Sandy Dhaliwal